DAD;S RAMBLINGS -- THINGS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THINGS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

"But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God." (I Corinthians 11:16)

Here was another issue that was causing conflict in the church a Corinth. Some in the fellowship required women to cover their heads when praying or prophesying while men were to be uncovered. There were cultural issues which were involved in this practice. But it was not a mandate from Scripture or from New Testament teaching.

So Paul says in effect, this is not something worth fighting over. If someone wants to make a big issue over it, then they need to understand that there is no requirement for the churches.

We are so good at making mountains out of molehills. We disagree about the color of the rug in the sanctuary. We argue about music. We make issues out of clothes and hairdos and makeup. And a thousand other things.

To be sure, there are some things we need to be firm about. Things that are explicitly identified in Scripture as foundational to our faith are subjects where we need to stand our ground. But so many things that cause contentions in a fellowship are not mandated in Scripture. They are personal preferences or traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.

May God help us to focus on the things that are really important. People are on their way to hell while we waste our energy on peripheral concerns. Contentions about the lesser things only cause disharmony. They do not help us fulfill our main mission – of bringing people to Christ and discipling them in the faith.

May God help us to keep our priorities straight.

Love, Dad